Positioned at the right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, this dark reddish-brown organ, LIVER regulates much of the chemical levels in your blood. It releases a product called bile. All the blood that comes out of the stomach and intestines comes to the liver where it is broken down. The nutrients are absorbed while the toxins are removed from the blood which will then come out of excretion and urine. It also produces certain proteins for blood plasma.
The liver is extremely important to clear your blood of drugs and other poisonous substances. It resists infections by creating immune factors and also removes bacteria from your bloodstream. It goes without saying then that this organ is most exposed to toxins and should therefore be looked after to ensure your overall well-being. Several things can affect your liver health.
Read on to know what are the causes behind liver toxicity (toxic hepatitis or hepatotoxicity), signs and symptoms, and how to deal with it.
Common Causes of Liver Toxicity or Hepatotoxicity
Alcohol:
Regular heavy drinking can lead to inflammation or hepatitis. This can lead to a potential liver failure.
Supplements:
Certain supplements and herbs are often considered dangerous to the liver. Taking large doses of vitamin supplements can also lead to liver damage.
Drugs/Medications:
Pain killers that are available over the counter can damage your liver and cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI). It is even worse if this is combined with things like alcohol.
Painkillers and Drugs that can Lead to Liver Toxicity:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen sodium
- Antifungal drugs
- Drugs for HIV
- Steroids
Genetics:
Several genetic factors also contribute to liver damage. Diseases like Wilson disease prevent your body from removing copper. This results in an accumulation in the liver which can damage the liver.
Chemical-induced Hepatitis:
Interference with chemicals and solvents in the workplace is a common cause of liver disease. Exposure may occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
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Signs and Symptoms of Toxic Liver (Toxic Hepatitis)
Experts have listed out certain signs and symptoms that you can look out for as early signs of deteriorating liver health.
- Swelling in limbs
- Nose or gum bleeding
- Dark urine
- Pale yellow skin and eyes (Jaundice)
- Abdominal pain (especially in the upper region)
- Fluid Retention: One of the most common symptoms of liver complication is the accumulation of fluid. This can cause swelling in your legs. It can also cause cirrhosis in which the scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.
- Dark urine: A lack of enzymes to break down salts leads to an accumulation of bile in the body. These extra pigments come out in excretion. Dark urine shows the presence of this extra accumulated bile in your liver.
- Discoloration of the eyes: One of the most common liver diseases is Jaundice or hepatitis (Hepatitis is the most common disease of liver inflammation). The presence of it can be known by the yellowing of the eyes and skin. A different kind of discoloration, which isn't necessarily yellow, can indicate liver damage. Report any change in eye color immediately to your doctor.
- Bleeding: Most functions of the liver involve cycling 25% of the blood from the portal vein. Issues like cirrhosis may make you vomit blood or might see it in your stool as a result of rectal bleeding. A healthy liver is responsible for producing clotting proteins. This often results in low platelet counts that can cause nosebleeds or gum bleeding.
- Abdominal pain: The liver is located in the upper right part of the abdomen therefore a pain felt in that area might indicate an issue in the liver. This could also result in swelling which might be indicative of the swelling in the liver which could be an outcome of a severe liver problem.
Other Symptoms of Poor Liver Health Can Be:
- Fever/ Fluctuating temperatures
- Rashes and constant itching
- Excessive tiredness
- Sudden weight loss
- Decreased appetite (unwillingness to eat)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Liver disease can be different with different origins. There are typically three types of tests that are generally carried out for diagnosis.
Laboratory Tests
Blood tests are generally one of the first kinds of tests done to find out if there is anything unusual going on in your body. In liver disease, the total amount of WBC, RBC, and platelets go down. This can be tested in blood tests. A blood test can also check for the blood clotting mechanisms. In liver disease, there might be issues in protein formation that allow the smooth functioning of clotting factors. In the case of viral hepatitis, certain virological examinations are done. These generally monitor hepatitis B and C.
Another lab test is the test of Ascitic fluid. In the case of liver disease, there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This fluid is usually examined under the microscope to see if there are any traces of cancerous cells.
Radiological Tests
Ultrasonogram tests, CT scans, MRI, and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography are used for imaging to detect any liver disease. These allow a closer and better view of the internal issues and also allow the detection of tumors and gall bladder stones.
Biopsies
To carry out a liver biopsy a needle is guided into the liver with the help of a USG and CT scan. Another way of obtaining a biopsy is during a surgery procedure.
How to Deal with Liver Disease?
One of the things that will go a long way in helping you with liver disease is some of the lifestyle changes you can adopt and certain home remedies that you can inculcate in your regular life.
Avoid drinking alcohol, or drink in a very moderated fashion. Eat less or processed carbohydrates and bring exercise into your daily life. If conditions continue to exist and get severe, immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Keep your medical history ready and make sure that you are totally honest with your doctor so they can devise the most appropriate treatment for your issue.
